In Ojibwa stories, Misamik, Nanabush’s pet giant beaver, built a giant dam at Bawating or Sault Ste. Marie area. It was said it was powerful enough to hold back the might of Lake Superior. Then after Years of neglect all that is left is the mighty rock base. Two things we must see from this great Ojibwa story and Region 4’s influence upon OCIP. One is that Region 4 has always helped hold back the might of disregarding the Past; thereby it puts in the work and dedication it takes to make a strong structure and hold true to our Ancestors. OCIP has always needed this lesson for it is ever caught between the need to conform to official rules and duties, while at the same time holding true to the traditions of our Ancestors. It is via hard work that a dam was created to hold to the mainstream rules and the leadings of the Great Creator, Mother Earth, Our Ancestors, and our Future; but this has always been from the work and guidance of Region 4. Another great lesson that Region 4 brings forth is twofold, first if OCIP takes it eyes off of the situation then the dam or situation will break down. Next, even if it does break down, the stone base is always there to build a new dam from. If you have ever seen Beavers building a dam, they always first look to build upon either an old dam or a strong base, OCIP has become the same. So OCIP gains the knowledge from all of Region 4’s membership that they must stem the tide of conformity, while not taking its eyes off the task at hand. But it must ever remembered that if something is missed, forgotten or lost we still have the stones to rebuild a strong dam or organization.

Covid-19 Funding & Response

Region Four (4) of OCIP has been tasked with the oversight of the Covid-19 funding for our area. So all Applications (see link below) must be made by Indigenous Peoples in urban and rural centres or living off reserve. Authentication of Indigenous Status is done, as a certain amount of verification is undertaken by OCIP. However If you attach your OCIP Membership Number this becomes a simple process. Next Please note, below a full list of activities serviced by this Covid-19 funding to help you confirm you might qualify for funding. If so then just fill out the application, ensuring it is signed and dated. Then return it to the “Contact Me” link above. If you have any questions and/or concerns please feel free to contact me either by phone or email: b.carriere@hotmail.com . Special Note: You will be asked to complete a “Needs Survey” for your Region as this will help OCIP better serve our Region. You will be sent this Regional Needs Survey.

1. Emergency response staff
2. Housing and shelter
3. Essential goods
4. Health and medical
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
6. Transportation and delivery of goods
7. Support for Elders, Youth, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable community members
8. Educational support for children and youth
9. Communications and utilities
10. Cultural and spiritual supports
11. Other activities related to supporting COVID-19 preparedness and response measures

OCIP RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVIEW, ALLOW OR DISALLOW ALL CLAIM(S) MADE DEPENDING ON ELIGABILITY.

Please remember If You are Filling out an Application you should include your Needs Survey in this package as well. Otherwise we ask that you Please Fill out this Region 4 Needs Survey as it will help OCIP and your Region target the specifics needs of Our Indigenous People.

Thanking You For Your Help